Proposition 130: Funding the Police—Necessary Support or Budget Nightmare?

Proposition 130 is up for a vote this November, and it’s a big one, folks. The measure asks whether Colorado should allocate $350 million from the state budget to support law enforcement agencies. This money would go toward recruiting, training, and retaining officers, and it even includes a one-time $1 million death benefit for families of officers killed in the line of duty. But, of course, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds. Let’s dig into what this proposal is really about and the debate around it.

What Is Proposition 130?

Proposition 130 is a state statute that, if passed, would direct the Colorado legislature to set aside $350 million for law enforcement funding. The money would be used for recruitment bonuses, officer training programs (like use-of-force training), and retention initiatives. A portion would also go toward the new death benefit for fallen officers. Interestingly, the measure does not require the legislature to set aside the funds immediately; they could allocate it over several years.

Here’s what’s on your ballot

Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes concerning state funding for peace officer training and support, and, in connection therewith, directing the legislature to appropriate 350 million dollars to the peace officer training and support fund for municipal and county law enforcement agencies to hire and retain peace officers; allowing the fund to be used for pay, bonuses, initial and continuing education and training, and a death benefit for a peace officer, police, fire and first responder killed in the line of duty; and requiring the funding to supplement existing appropriations?

What’s the Goal of Proposition 130?

Supporters argue that law enforcement agencies across Colorado have been struggling with staff shortages and increased crime rates. Groups like Advance Colorado and the Common Sense Institute claim this funding is critical to providing the necessary support and training for officers, which they believe will ultimately make communities safer. The initiative is backed by Governor Jared Polis, who believes it’s an essential step in boosting public safety​ (The Colorado Sun)​ (Colorado Public Radio).

The Pros

1. Boosts Public Safety: Advocates say this measure will ensure local agencies have the resources they need to hire and retain qualified officers, addressing crime more effectively and making communities safer. They argue that supporting law enforcement is essential, especially as crime rates have surged post-pandemic​ (Colorado Public Radio) ​(Colorado Public Radio).
2. Increases Support for Officers’ Families: The $1 million death benefit is seen as a significant increase for the families of fallen officers, providing more financial security beyond the current pension benefits. Supporters argue that officers who risk their lives deserve this level of support ​(The Colorado Sun).
3. Flexibility in Funding: The measure doesn’t require all the funds to be distributed immediately, giving lawmakers flexibility to allocate funds as budget conditions allow, possibly softening the financial impact​ (Colorado Public Radio).

The Cons

1. Potential Budget Cuts: Critics, including groups like the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC), argue that setting aside $350 million could mean taking money from other critical services like education, healthcare, or mental health programs. They suggest that prioritizing law enforcement without new tax revenue is fiscally irresponsible​ (Colorado Public Radio)​ (Colorado Public Radio).
2. Ignores Alternatives to Policing: Opponents, such as the ACLU and Together Colorado, believe the state should focus on non-policing solutions that address crime, like expanding mental health services or alternative responder programs such as Denver’s STAR program. They argue that increasing funding for traditional policing ignores proven alternatives that could be more effective long-term​ (Colorado Public Radio).
3. Criticism of the “Crime Narrative”: Some civil rights groups argue that despite the claims of rising crime rates, Colorado’s violent crime has actually decreased in recent years. They accuse Proposition 130 of fear-mongering and point out that the state already spends more on law enforcement per capita than most states​ (Colorado Public Radio)​ (Colorado Democratic Party).

The Bottom Line

Proposition 130 is a contentious measure that proposes a significant investment in Colorado’s law enforcement agencies. If you believe that more funding for police will lead to safer communities and that supporting officers is crucial, a “yes” vote may be your choice. However, if you’re concerned about the financial impact on other state services or prefer funding alternative safety measures, a “no” vote could be the way to go.

Our objectivity has shown. Now here’s our vote

Duh, we’re voting YES. Prop 130 directs our legislator to remove their head from their defund-the-police-rear-ends and make a one-time $350 million appropriation from the General (slush) Fund and place it into the shiny, new “Peace Officer Training and Support Fund” (no doubt a fund the Denver Dems will try to raid if we take our eye off it). The CDPS would then be instructed to distribute that money in grants to local law enforcement agencies to improve officer recruitment, training, and retention.  It would also require the state to provide a one-time $1 million death benefit to the family of each state and local law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. The best part: the state would be required to maintain the fund after the initial $350 million is tapped out.

Look, we find money to fund every other lib pet project. We can find money for this – which is something totally worthwhile. What’s not to love – vote yes on Prop 130.